EXPUNGED BUT EXCLUDED—Why Background Check Errors Still Block You from Jobs
You Cleared Your Record—So Why Are You Still Being Denied?
You did the right thing. You invested time, money, and energy to have your criminal record expunged. The goal? A fresh start and a fair chance at employment. But somehow, you’re still being turned away from jobs.
You’re not alone. At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys have helped countless individuals who, despite successful expungement, are unfairly denied work because of outdated or inaccurate background checks.
Here’s what’s happening—and what you can do to fight back.
Expungement Means You’re Legally Cleared
When a record is expunged in California, it means the court has ruled your conviction is no longer part of your criminal history in the eyes of the law. You’re not required to disclose it to employers. In fact, if your record has been expunged, you can legally answer “no” to the question, “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?”
The Problem: Third-Party Background Check Errors
Many employers use third-party companies to run background checks. These companies pull data from databases that aren’t always up to date—or they simply fail to scrub expunged information.
So even though your criminal record is legally sealed, an old charge might still appear on a background report. That error can lead to:
Disqualified job applications
Missed housing or loan opportunities
Unjust reputational damage
Mental and emotional stress
According to the information on page 2, employers often rely on these databases without verifying whether the record was expunged. That’s negligence—and it’s actionable.
You Have the Right to Dispute Background Check Mistakes
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you are entitled to:
Dispute inaccurate background check data
Request correction within 30 days
Sue for damages if the information is not corrected in a timely manner
If the background check company fails to fix the error, you may have grounds to take legal action.
At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Lawyers pursue claims under the FCRA to:
Compel background check companies to correct false records
Hold negligent employers and screening services accountable
Secure financial compensation for our clients
How R23 Law Fights Back When Expungement Is Ignored
If your expunged record is still showing up:
Request your background report.
Dispute the error in writing with the company.
Keep documentation.
Contact R23 Law.
We’ll evaluate your case for free and determine whether you’re entitled to damages or additional legal recourse.
Bottom Line: Expunged Means Expunged
Your expungement should be respected—by employers, by background check companies, and by the systems designed to give people a second chance.
If that’s not happening, R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys are here to correct the record and demand accountability. Your past shouldn’t be your future.
📞 Schedule your free consultation with R23 Law today.
📞 Toll-Free: (888) 533-2948
📱 SoCal: (310) 598-1588 ｜ NorCal: (415) 558-0227
📧 Email: info@R23Law.com
🌐 Website:www.R23Law.com
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